Grilled chicken tenders are a delectable and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues. Tender, juicy, and packed with savory goodness, these grilled chicken tenders are sure to delight your taste buds and leave your family and friends asking for more.

Close up up grilled chicken tenders in a salad

Why You'll Love These On The Grill

Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes (excluding marinating time) with the help of your grill.
Easy. Fire up your grill, season the chicken tenders, carefully cook until juicy and delicious.
Low Carb. Only net carbs per serving!
Gluten Free. A great main course option for anyone that has a gluten allergy.

Grilled chicken tenders are a delicious and satisfying dish that brings joy to any mealtime. With a flavorful marinade and the perfect grilling technique, you can create tender, juicy, and mouthwatering chicken tenders that will impress your family and friends.

Whether you're hosting a barbecue or preparing a quick and wholesome dinner, these grilled chicken tenders are the perfect addition to your menu.

Are Grilled Chicken Tenders Healthy?

Grilled chicken tenders can be a healthy and nutritious option, depending on how they are prepared and the ingredients used. Chicken tenders are lean cuts of meat that are lower in fat compared to other parts of the chicken, such as the thighs or wings. Grilling is also considered a healthier cooking method because it allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in a lower calorie content.

As with any food, it's essential to consider the overall context of your diet and lifestyle. Grilled chicken tenders can be part of a balanced and healthy diet when prepared with wholesome ingredients and served with nutrient-rich sides.

Should I Cover Chicken While Grilling?

For thin and small chicken pieces, like chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breasts, there is usually no need to cover them while grilling. These pieces cook relatively quickly and evenly over direct heat, and covering them is likely not necessary.

Always monitor the cooking process and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to achieve perfectly grilled and safe-to-eat chicken.

Ingredients You'll Need

Chicken Tenders
Olive Oil
Lemon Juice
Garlic
Smoked Paprika
Oregano
Onion Powder
Salt
Black Pepper

How To Make Grilled Chicken Tenders

Prepare the Marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a well-blended marinade.
Marinate the Chicken. Place the chicken tenders in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavorful tenders, you can marinate them overnight.
Preheat the Grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken Tenders. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the tenders on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenders. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Rest and Garnish. Once the chicken tenders are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each tender remains juicy and tender. If desired, garnish the grilled chicken tenders with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
Serve and Enjoy! Plate the grilled chicken tenders and serve them with your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, salads, or fluffy rice. These flavorful and succulent chicken tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Grilled Chicken Tenders on a bed of greens and vegetables

Tips And Tricks

Making grilled chicken tenders can be a simple and enjoyable process with these helpful tips and tricks to ensure juicy, flavorful, and perfectly grilled results:

Marinate for Flavor. Marinating the chicken tenders adds depth and complexity to their taste. Use a flavorful marinade with ingredients like olive oil, herbs, garlic, and citrus juices. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more intense flavor.
Preheat the Grill. Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. A properly heated grill ensures even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
Even Thickness. If the chicken tenders vary in thickness, try pounding them gently with a meat mallet to achieve more even thickness. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Avoid Overcooking. Chicken tenders are lean and can quickly dry out if overcooked. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165F.

Variations

Grilled chicken tenders are a versatile canvas that can be customized with various marinades, seasonings, and toppings to create delicious and unique flavor combinations. Here are some creative variations to try:

Spicy BBQ Chicken Tenders- Marinate the chicken tenders in a spicy BBQ sauce, with a touch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce, for a fiery and smoky flavor.
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Tenders- Coat the chicken tenders with a honey mustard glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Teriyaki Chicken Tenders- Infuse the chicken tenders with the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce, adding a hint of ginger and garlic.
Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders- Marinate the chicken tenders in a blend of lemon juice, fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and basil), and minced garlic for a zesty and aromatic taste.

What To Serve With Them

Grilled chicken tenders are a versatile and delicious dish that pairs well with a wide range of side dishes. Here are some tasty and complementary options to serve with grilled chicken tenders:

Grilled Vegetables- Serve your them with a colorful array of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or eggplant. The smoky flavors of the grilled vegetables complement the chicken perfectly.
Salads- Fresh salads make a refreshing side dish for grilled chicken tenders. Try a classic garden salad, Greek salad, or a tangy Caesar salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
Coleslaw- Creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that adds a delightful crunch and creaminess to the meal. It provides a nice contrast to the grilled chicken tenders.
Rice or Quinoa- Serve the chicken tenders with fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa for a satisfying and filling meal.
Potato Salad- A creamy and flavorful potato salad is a great choice to accompany the grilled chicken tenders. It's a comforting and delicious combination.
Corn on the Cob- Grilled corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken tenders. Brush the corn with butter and sprinkle some herbs for added flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these side dishes based on your preferences and the season.

How Long Do They Last?

Grilled chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When refrigerated, they should be consumed within 3-4 days. Remember that the sooner you consume the chicken, the better the quality and taste.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, you can freeze grilled chicken tenders to extend their shelf life and enjoy them at a later time. Freezing grilled chicken tenders is a great way to preserve leftovers or prepare them in advance for quick and convenient meals. Properly frozen grilled chicken tenders can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to use the grilled chicken tenders, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, you can reheat the chicken tenders in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until warmed through.

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